Iyengar Yoga and Fitness in New Hampshire and Beyond

1.3 tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe avasthānam

“Then the Seer is established in his own essential and fundamental nature.”

Edwin Bryant, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali:

“When that is accomplished, the seer abides in its own true nature.”

Reverend Jaganath Carrera, Inside the Yoga Sutras:

“Then the Seer (Self) abides in its own nature.”

I practice meditation with an app on my phone called Headspace. In the app there is a meditation called “Blue Sky”. It explains that our thoughts are like clouds drifting by blocking the blue sky. The blue sky is always there we just have to let the clouds/thought drift away and let the blue sky shine through. This sutra about splendor reminds me of the blue sky.

BKS Iyengar says that when the mind is stilled, “the vision of the soul radiates without any activity on the part of the citta”.

Tatami points out that only can be realized within and not outside of oneself.

Bryant commentary often analyzes each word – revealing the compactness in Patanjali’s writing. And then he asks if eliminating thought eliminates experience and existence? He says that yoga abides by the view that once thoughts are removed, the soul remains as pure consciousness and is only aware of itself. He says that the soul is always there despite its contact with the outside world.

Carrrera bring in some bible writings again pointing out Matthew 5.8 “Blessed for the pure of heart, for they shall see God” and Psalm 46.10 “Be still and know that I am God”. Being still and pure or clear are requirements for seeing in not just yoga but other spiritual traditions.